Camping unit

ABSTRACT

A camper unit attachable to the side of a motorcycle. The unit includes a camping portion mounted on a frame portion attachable to the side of a motorcycle. The floor of the camping portion is comprised of a plurality of panels hingedly connected which fold together to form a box-like structure for transport to and from a camping location. The hinges connecting the panels are mounted in grooves provided in the ends of the respective connected panels for strength and obscurity. A tent provides the shelter for the camping portion. Jointed tent poles serve also as support members for the floor. Removable legs are provided for further floor support. A portion of the floor is supported by the wheel attached to the frame. Hitch means connecting the camper unit to the motorcycle is adjustable whereby the camper unit may be attached to a wide variety of motorcycles of different manufacture and model. The camper unit is adaptable to be trailed behind a snowmobile or a small automobile.

United States Patent [191 Petersen [451 Jan. 29, 1974 CAMPING UNIT [76]Inventor: Raymond N. Petersen, c/o Petersen Welding & Construction Co.,346 North 6th Street, Forest City, Iowa 22 Filed: Nov. 12,1971

211 App1.No.: 198,137

[52] US. Cl 280/203, 296/23 A, 296/23 G [51] Int. Cl B62k 27/00 [58]Field of Search ..280/203; 296/23 R, 23 A,

Primary ExaminerGerald M. Forlenza Assistant Examiner-John MannixAttorney, Agent, or FirmRobert W. Gutenkauf et al.

[ ABSTRACT A camper unit attachable to the side of a motorcycle. Theunit includes a camping portion mounted on a frame portion attachable tothe side of a motorcycle. The floor of the camping portion is comprisedof a plurality of panels hingedly connected which fold together to forma box-like structure for transport to and from a camping location. Thehinges connecting the panels are mounted in grooves provided in the endsof the respective connected panels for strength and obscurity. A tentprovides the shelter for the camping, portion. Jointed tent poles servealso as support members for the floor. Removable legs are provided forfurther floor support. A portion of the floor is supported by the wheelattached to the frame. Hitch means connecting the camper unit to themotorcycle is adjustable whereby the camper unit may be attached to awide variety of motorcycles of different manufacture and model. Thecamper unit is adaptable to be trailed behind a snowmobile or a smallautomobile.

15 Claims, 18 Drawing Figures PATENTED JAN 2 9 I974 sum 3 or 3 FI5. Z 7

5 J m F AT TORNEYS CAMPING UNIT BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION For manyyears camping has been a popular leisuretime activity. In recent yearscamping has become more sophisticated and, on a pleasant weekend, it isnot uncommon for one to observe on the highways a great number ofso-called camping trailers in tow behind automobiles and trucks,traveling to and from various camping destinations. For an example ofsuch a camping trailer having fold-out side walls to form a floor, seeU. S. Pat. No. 3,149,876 to Melbye. Motorcyclists, also, frequentlyenjoy camping. The cyclist must compactly pack his camping gear, such asa sleeping bag, a tent, and the like, for fastening to the motorcycle.Only a limited amount of camping equipment may be carried in such afashion. It is difficult for more than a single person to ride themotorcycle when so packed. Side cars are available to motorcyclists, forexample, as in U. S. Pat. No. l,2l3,l63 to .laggard, which could be usedto transport camping equipment. Such side cars are typically designed tofit a single model of motorcycle. Further, upon reaching the campingdestination, they are of no assistance to the camper, as by providingshelter or a place to sleep.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a camper unitfor transporting with a motorcycle in side car fashion. The camper unithas adjustable hitch means whereby the unit may be hitched tomotorcycles of a wide variety of manufacture and models, includingsocalled trail motorcycles as well as larger motorcycles. The unitincludes a frame and a camping portion mounted on the frame. The campingportion has an upright side wall and a floor comprised of a plurality ofhingedly connected panels which, in the closed or collapsedconfiguration, form a compact box structure for storing and transportingequipment. In the open or erect configuration, the panels form the rigidfloor of the camping portion. Hinges connecting the various panels areinstalled in grooves provided in the sides of the various panels forstrength and obscurity. A wheel is mounted on the side of the frameopposite the motorcycle. In the erect configuration the wheel assists insupporting the floor. Removable leg members are insertable into the endsof the frame members for additional support. The shelter of the camperportion, in the preferred embodiment, is constituted as a tent pitchedon a plurality of tent poles. The tent poles are jointed, having aportion between the ground and the floor, offering support to the floor,and a telescoping upper portion. The camper unit is adapted to be fittedwith skis or runners and a tongue and hitch to be towed behind asnowmobile. Additionally, a second wheel may be added for towing thecamper unit behind a small automobile.

An object of the invention is to provide a spacious camper unit when inthe erected configuration and which is collapsible into a compactstructure for transporting. A second object of the invention is toprovide a camping unit of the type described that may be hithced to andtransported by a motorcycle. A further object of the invention is toprovide a camper unit of the type described having a universal hitch forattachment to a wide variety of motorcycle models. A further object ofthe invention is to provide a camper unit of the type described havinghingedly connected floor panels whereby the hinges are installed withinthe panels. Another object of the invention is to provide a camper unitof the type described adaptable to be towed by a snowmobile or a smallautomobile. Further objects of the invention will become apparent uponthe following description.

IN THE DRAWING FIG. 1 is a top view of the camper unit of the inventionhitched to a motorcycle;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the camper unit and motorcycle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the camper unit and motorcycle of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the frame andcamping portion of the camper unit of the invention taken along the line4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a plan view of the floor portion of the camper unit;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged sectional view showing hitch means and a floorportion of the camper unit taken along the line 6-6 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged sectional view of the hitch portion and showingtwo connecting links, taken along the section line 77 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a rear elevational view of the camper unit of the inventionshowing the floor in the erect configuration;

FIG. 9 is an enlarged sectional view of a portion of the frame of thecamper unit taken along the section line 99 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view of the camper unit of the inventionin an erected configuration;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a jointed center tent pole of the inventionwith portions broken away for purposes of illustration;

FIG. 12 is an elevational view of a jointed side tent pole of the camperunit of the invention;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the camper unit of the inv ention adapted tobe trailed behind a small automobile;

FIG. 14 is a front view of the camper unit of the invention adapted tobe trailed behind a small automobile, taken along the line 14-14 of FIG.13;

FIG. 15 is a top view of the camper unit of the invention adapted to betrailed behind a small automobile;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the camper unit of the invention adapted to betrailed behind a snowmobile;

FIG. 17 is a front view of the camper unit of the invention adapted tobe trailed behind a snowmobile, taken along the line 17-17 of FIG. 16;and

FIG. 18 is a top view of the camper unit of the invention adapted to betowed behind a snowmobile, with an underlying sled structure shown inphantom.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIGS. 1 through 3,there is shown a motorcycle 10 of conventional style and design hitchedto the camper unit of the invention in the closed or collapsedconfiguration for transport to and from a camping destination. Thecamper means includes a frame portion, indicated generally at 13, and acollapsible camper portion 14 mounted n the frame 13. Frame 13, shown inphantom in FIG. 1, is comprised of a plurality of hollow tubular membersincluding inside and outside longitudinal members 16, 17 and front andrear lateral members 18, 19. The frame members have a square crosssection, as shown in FIG. 4, and are fastened together, as by welding,in a rectangular configuration. A pair of longitudinal brace members 20,21 are fastened between the front and rear members to add rigidity tothe structure. The front and rear ends of the inside member 16 are opento telescopically receive a section of a connecting member. At theforward outside corner of the frame 13, the outside longitudinal member17 and the front lateral member 18 are fastened together by a weldedtriangular gusset 22. Each of the members is foreshortened at the saidcorner, having open ends to alternately receive an inserted member. Theoutboard end of the rear member 19 is also open to telescopicallyreceive an end section of a floor support member.

Camper unit 12 is coupled to the motorcycle by the unique hitch means ofthe invention. A hitch assembly includes hitch bar 23 fastened beneathand parallel to the inside longitudinal frame member 16. Hitch bar 23,as best seen by FIG. 6, is a square elongated tubular bar having shortoutward plate-like extensions 24 at either end. To each of theextensions 24, one leg of an L-shaped connecting member 26 is bolted.The complementary leg of each L-shaped member 26 is telescopicallypositioned in the respective open ends of the inside frame member 16.Said complementary legs of the L-shaped members 26 have also a square,tubular cross section and are open for receipt of a portion of a legmember. The hitch bar 23 is thus firmly secured to the inside framemember 16.

Clamping means include a plurality of clamps 27 slidably engaging thehitch bar 23. As shown in FIG. 6, there are four such clamps, whichnumber has proven to be adequate. Aclamp 27, as best seen by FIG. 7, hasa square open portion which engages the side walls of the hitch bar 23.By sliding, the clamp is adjustable to any longitudinal position on thehitch bar 23. A set screw 28 is threaded through a portion of the clamp27 to contact the hitch bar. Tightening of the set screw 28 firmlysecures the clamp in place. Attached to the bottom portion of the clamp27 is a laterally disposed sleeve 29. Positioned in the sleeve 29 is athreaded eye bolt 31. Nuts 32 are threaded on the shank of the eye boltat either end of the sleeve 29, firmly holding the eye bolt in position.The shank of the eye bolt is sufficiently long to allow lateraladjustment of the position of the eye by varying the position of thenuts 32 on the shank. Standard motorcycles are typically constructed ona framework of tubular members. For example, typically a structuralmember extends from beneath the handle bars downward to a position inthe vicinity of the transmission. Another member may extend from thetransmission mounting rearwardly to the rear wheel axle. Still anothermay extend from the rear wheel axle to the seat. According to thepresent invention, there are provided a plurality of flanged collarswhich are placed at selected locations on the tubular frame members ofthe motorcycle, for example, the collar 34 of FIG. 7, engaging a tubularsection 35 of the motorcycle. In the present embodiment of theinvention, three such collars are provided at selected locations on themotorcycle. The collar 34 closely engages the tubular section 35, andhas mating flange sections 36. Each of the collars 34 is connected bylink means shown as an adjustable length link 37 to one of the clamps27. The adjustable length links 37 each include an elongated rod portion38 and a mating body portion 39. Elongated rod portion 38 has a threadedshank section at one end and a bifurcated clevis at the opposite end. Inassembled relationship to the motorcycle, the clevis of rod 38 engagesthe mating flanges 36 of collar 34. A bolt passes through mutuallyaligned holes in the clevis and flanges, and is secured by a nut. Thebody portion 39 has a hollow shaft section at one end, in alignment withthe shank of rod portion 38, and a bifurcated clevis at the oppositeend. A nut 40 is fastened, as by welding, to the end of the shaftportion. The threaded shank of the rod 38 is threaded through the nut 40until the desired length of the link means is reached. A jam nut 41 isthreaded up against the nut 40 to insure a locked connection. The excesslength of shank is accommodated in the hollow shaft of body portion 39.The bifurcated end of the body portion 39 engages the eye of eye bolt31. A bolt passes through the bifurcated end of body portion 39 and theeye bolt 31, and is secured in place by a nut.

Linking means of the type described are shown to cooperate with three ofthe clamps 27 to couple the camper unit of the invention to themotorcycle. Alternate linking structure is shown in FIG. 7. A foorthlinking bar links the fourth clamp 27 to the motorcycle. A plate memberor mount 44 is fastened to the motorcy-. cle by means of a bolt 45passing through the plate 44 and threaded into a hole provided in themotorcycle. The mount 44 extends outward from the motorcycle. A fourthlinking bar, shown as an elongated rod 43, extends from the fourth ofthe clamps 27 to the mount 44 on the motorcycle. The rod 43 isbifurcated at both ends and engages at one end the eye of an eye bolt 31of the clamp 27. The rod 43 extends outwardly therefrom, then is bentdownward for a short distance, then is bent again 90 to extendhorizontally to the mount 44. The bifurcated end of the rod 43 engagesthe mount 44 and is secured by a bolt and nut. The length of the linkprovided by the rod 43 is adjustable by lateral adjustment of the shankportion of the eye bolt 31 disposed within the cylinder 29. The lengthof links 37 are adjustable relative to each other to provide the wheel46 with tow in or at a slight converging angle with regard to the wheelsof the motorcycle, and to provide the elevating or lowering of a portionof the camper unit.

It may be seen that the hitch assembly as described could be used fortransporting a variety of different single wheel side sturctures with amotorcycle, as, for example, a side car for transporting a passenger.

Wheel means for the camper unit include a tire mounted on a wheel 46rotatably mounted by suitable conventional bearing structure upon ashaft 47. A pair of leaf springs 48, 49 are symmetrically mounted to thebottom of the outside brace member 21 and the outside frame member 17respectively.

The outside frame member 17 is provided with a pair of longitudinallyspaced, downwardly depending front and rear brackets 50, 51 welded tothe bottom of the member. Each bracket 50, 5 has a pair of downwardlydepending ears 52, 52 having mutually aligned holes. Leaf spring 49 hasat either end a horizontal sleeve disposed between the ears 52, 52 ofthe brackets 50, 51. A nut, secured by a bolt, passes through the ears52, 52 and the sleeves of the leaf spring, thus holding the leaf springsecurely in place. It may be seen that the leaf spring and tire assemblymay be readily removed from the frame 13 for replacement by, forexample, a sled structure. Likewise, the leaf spring 48 is mounted tothe longitudinal brace member 21 by a pair of front and rear brackets56, 57, in the same fashion that leaf spring 49 is mounted to theoutside member 17. V- shaped clamps 53, 53 attached to the leaf spring48, 49 securely hold the shaft 48 in position relative to the leafsprings. The top of the tire 46 is in horizontal alignment with the topsurfaces of the frame members 16 through 21.

The shelter portion of the camper unit includes a rigid floor and a tentadapted to be pitched on the floor. The floor portion is comprised of aplurality of panels, of plywood or like material, hingedly connected asshown in the plan view of FIG. 5 of the floor in the open or erectconfiguration. The several panels are foldable with respect to oneanother to form the compact box structure in the closed position, asshown in FIGS. 1 through 3, for transporting. In the box structure theremay be contained and transported the tent, tent poles, supporting legsand members and other camping equipment.

As seen by FIG. 5, in the preferred embodiment a middle inboard panel 58is attached to the top of the frame portion 13 by suitable conventionalmeans such as nuts and bolts, substantially covering the top surfacedefined by the frame members. An upright side wall 54 is providedadjacent the inboard edge of floor panel 58. Side walls 54, as seen byFIG. 6, is supported by a plurality of upright brace members 55 attachedto the inside frame member 16, and extends substantially the length ofthe frame portion 13.

Middle inboard panel 58 is hingedly connected to the front and rearedges to a front inboard panel 62 and a rear inboard panel 66,respectively. The outside edge of the middle inboard panel is hingedlyconnected to a middle center panel 59. The outside edge of the frontinboard panel 62 is hingedly connected to the inside edge of a frontcenter panel 63. The outside edge of the rear inboard panel 66 ishingedly connected to the inside edge of a rear center panel 67. Theoutboard edge of middle center panel 59 is hingedly connected to middleoutboard panel 60. The front and rear edges of middle outboard panel 60are hingedly connected to the front outboard panel 64 and rear outboardpanel 68, respectively.

Hinged means connecting various floor panels include continuous orpiano-type hinges 70 which extend substantially the length of theadjacent edges of the connected panels, although a plurality of smaller,spaced hinges could be used. The hinge means of the invention is bestseen by FIG. 4 which illustrates a typical hinge connection between themiddle center panel 59 and the middle inboard panel 58, the panel 59being shown in the closed position and, in phantom, in the openposition. The adjacent edges of the panels 58, 59 are provided withelongated grooves 71 approximately midway between the outer surfaces ofthe panels. The grooves 71 extend substantially the length of thepanels. A hinge assembly 70 has hinge plates 73 and 74 pivotallyconnected by a hinge pin. The hinge plates 73, 74 are accommodated inthe grooves 71, 71. The hinge plates are maintained in the groove bysuitable fasteners, such as rivets 75, 75. Glue or other fastening meanscould be used. The edges 77, 78 of the'panels 58, 59, respectively, arebeveled. In the open position, the lower portions of the edges 77, 78abut and extend upward diverging from one another to form an upwardlyopening V-shaped groove. The center portion of the hinge is accommodatedin the V-shaped groove. The abutting portions of the edges 77, 78provide strength at the hinge connection, yet the hinge is obscured fromview.

As seen by FIG. 5, the hinge connections of the front and rear edges ofthe middle inboard panel 58 to the front and rear inboard panels 62, 66are staggered relative to the corresponding hinge connections of theoutboard panels 60, 64, 68. The floor structure is thus foldable fromthe open position as shown to the closed configuration in the followingmanner. Front center panel 63 is folded up 90 with respect to the frontinboard panel 62. Rear center panel 67 is folded up 90 with respect tothe rear inboard panel 66. The front and rear inboard panels 62, 66 arefolded up 90 with respect to the middle inboard panel 58. The middlecenter panel 59 is then folded up 90 with respect to the middle inboardpanel 58. The middle center panel 59 functions as an outer wall of thebox-like structure of the camper unit in the folded configuration.Camping gear and equipment, and further structure of the camper unit tobe hereinafter described, are thenplaced in the box now formed. Themiddle outboard panel 60 is then folded down 90 with respect to themiddle center panel 59 to close the top of the box. The front and rearoutboard panels fold down 90 with re spect to the middle outboard panelto form the front and rear walls of the box. Suitable releasablefastening means, such as snap fasteners, hooks, hasps, or the like (notshown) are provided to maintain the structure in the foldedconfiguration.

In the erected configuration, the floor of the camper unit gains supportfrom a pair of elongated floor support members assembled to removablesupport stands or legs. As shown in FIG. 8, an elongated tubular floorsupport member 80 has an end telescopically engaging the open endportion of the lateral rear frame member 19, and extends laterallyoutward therefrom. The floor support member 80 supports the rearwardportions of the center middle panel 59 and the outboard middle panel 60.Support member 80 also has an open end portion. A vertical leg 81 has ahorizontal top member 82 which telescopically engages the open endportion of the floor support member 80. The leg 81 extends to the groundand is supported on a flat plate or foot 83. Likewise, there is provideda second tubular floor support member for support of the forwardportions of the middle panels, (not shown) which telescopically engagesthe open end portion of the forward lateral frame member 18. A secondleg similar in structure to the leg 81 telescopically engages the endportion of the second floor support member and likewise supports itrelative to the ground.

The inboard portion of the floor gains support from a second pair ofsupport stands or legs when the floor is in the erected configuration.Referring to FIG. 9, a leg 86 has a horizontal square-tubular topportion 87 which telescopically engages the open end portion of theL-shaped member 25 engaged in the inside longitudinal frame member 16.The leg 86 extends to the ground and is supported on a foot 88. A likeleg (not shown) engages the open end portion of the L-shaped member atthe front end of the longitudinal frame member 16. When the leg 86 andthe corresponding second leg are assembled to the frame member 16, themotorcycle may be unhitched from the frame for use elsewhere, as saidlegs provide necessary support for the frame.

For added comfort, as shown by FIG. 4, the floor of the camping portionmay be covered by a carpet 89. Adjacent the hinge 74 the carpet has anoutwardly directed rib 89A to permit folding of side wall 59.

As may be seen by FIG. 10, the shelter portion of the preferredembodiment is constituted as a tent pitched on a plurality of tent polesover the floor of the camper unit. The tent poles also provide supportfor the several front and rear floor panels. The tent poles include apair of center poles 90, a pair of inboard side poles 91, and a pair ofoutboard side poles 92. Tent pole holes are provided near the outeredges of the various front and rear floor panels to accommodate the tentpoles. Each of the front and rear inboard and outboard panels 62, 64,66, 68 has a hole 94 in the outer corner. Each of the forward and rearcenter panels 63, 67 has a hole 95 centrally located in proximity to theouter edge of the panel.

A center tent pole 90, as shown in FIG. 11 in assembled relation to thefloor, has a hollow tubular base 97 and an insertable shaft 98. Base 97is supported on the ground by a foot 99, and extends upward through thehole 95 in the floor panel, terminating in an open end above the floor.A circumfrential shoulder 101 is attached, as by welding, to the base 97just beneath the hole 95. The floor panel rests on and is supported bythe shoulder 101. On the lower portion of the shaft 98 there is'provided a circumferential flange. The shaft is inserted in the opentop end of the base. The flange 102 rests on the top edge of the base97. The shaft extends upward from the base to the apex of the tent,terminating in conventional tent support means, such as a peg insertedin an eye provided in the apex of the tent.

A side pole 92, as shown by FIG. 12, has a base 103 and a shaft section104. The base 103 is supported by a foot 105, and has an open top with acircumfential shoulder 106. The shoulder 106 abuts the bottom of thefloor panel and supports it. The open end of the base 103 is inalignment with the hole 94 in the floor panel. The lower ends of theshaft 104 is inserted in the open end of the base 103 and rests thereinon a suitable shoulder or the like (not shown). The shaft 104 extendsupwardly, and terminates in suitable tent support means, such as a peginserted in an eye provided in a corner of the tent.

As shown by FIG. 10, the tent is pitched on the respective tent polesover the floor of the camper unit. The tent poles also provide supportfor the floor. The tent 108 is relatively conventional, having sidewalls connected to slanting roof portions extending upward to an apex. Aflap door is provided at one end. Windows and like amenities may also beprovided. Guide lines 107 may also be used to maintain the tent in theerected position. The bottom edges of the tent are secured to the floorstructure. As shown by FIG. 12, the bottom edge 109 of the tent islapped and seamed, providing a hem. An elastic cord 110 passes throughthe hem around the periphery of the tent at the bottom edge. The he ofthe tent is positioned over the side portions of the floor so that thehem engages the lower edge of the floor structure. The elastic cordbiases the hem in the floor engaging position. It is understood thatother suitable means could be used to fasten the edge of the tent to thefloor structure, such as snaps, hooks, or the like.

front bracket 1 12 and a rear bracket (not shown), each having a pair ofdownwardly depending spaced ears with mutually aligned mounting holes.The brackets 112 and the rear bracket correspond to and are disposedopposite the brackets 50, 51 on the outside frame member 17. The insidebrace member 20 is also provided with a pair of longitudinally spacedfront and rear brackets, front bracket 116 and a rear bracket (notshown), disposed opposite the front brackets 112 and the rear bracket oninside frame member 16.

Second wheel means includes a wheel 119 having a tire mounted thereon.The wheel 119 is mounted by suitable bearing structure on a shaft 120. Apair of leaf springs 122, 123 are symmetrically mounted to the insidebrace member 20 and the inside frame member 16, respectively, bymounting to the front and rear brackets on the inside brace member 20and the front and rear brackets on the inside frame member 16. The wheelshaft is mounted to the bottom portion of the leaf springs 122, l23bysuitable clamps 124.

Tongue means 126 includes a right tongue arm 127 and a left tongue arm128. The right tongue is inserted in the open end of the outside framemember 17. The left tongue arm is inserted in the open end of the insideframe member 16. Set screws 129 are threaded through the respectiveframe members and secure the tongue arms in place. The tongue armsextend outward from the frame members, then diverge and join at aconventinal trailer hitch member 131. The trailer hitch member 131 isadapted to receive a conventional trailer hitch ball. The camper unitmay thus be towed conveniently behind a small or conventional sizeautomobile. The camper unit of the invention may be adapted to be towedbehind a snowmobile, as shown by FIGS. 16 through 18, where the camperunit is shown assembled to a sled frame 133. Sled frame 133 includesforward skis 134, 135 on the right and left sides respectively,

and rear skis 136, 137 on the right and left sides respectively. Rightrear ski 136 has a pair of upwardly projecting parallel ribs 139, 139attached to opposite ends of a horizontally disposed sleeve 140. Thesleeve 140 is positioned between the rear bracket on the inside framemember 16 and the rear bracket on the inside brace member 20, and is inaxial alignment with the mounting holes of the brackets. A long bolt 142secured by a nut passes through the respective brackets and the sleeve140, to secure the right rear ski to the frame 13. Likewise, the leftrear ski 137 has a pair of upwardly projecting ribs 143, 143 attached toopposite ends of a horizontal sleeve 144 positioned between and in axialalignment with the bracket 51 of the outside frame member 17, and thebracket 57 of the outside brace member 21. A bolt, secured by a nut,passes through the sleeve 144 and the respective brackets to secure theski in place.

The forward skis 134, 135 are connected by a laterally disposed,upwardly curving yoke 146. Forward skis 134, 135 are rigidly secured tothe respective ends of the yoke 146. A tongue 147 is fastened to thecenter of the yoke and extends forwardly therefrom. A Y-shaped bar hasrearwardly extending legs 150, 151 and a forward base portion 152. Theright leg 150 is rigidly attached to the inside upwardly projecting rib139 of right rear ski 136. The opposite leg 151 of the Y- shaped bar isrigidly attached to the inside upwardly projecting rib 143 of the leftrear ski 137. The forward end of the base portion 152 is pivotallyattached to the center of the yoke 146. A generally flat lateral crossbar 154 is securely fastened at the center to the base 152 of theY-shaped bar 149, and extends laterally therefrom. The ends of the crossbar 154 are bent upwardly to engage the forward bracket 116 on theinside brace member 20, and the forward bracket 56 on the outside bracemember 21. The end portions of cross bar 154 are bolted to therespective brackets.

The camper unit 12 is hitched to a snowmobile through a conventionaltrailer hitch 156 at the end of the tongue 147. The forward skis 134,135 are steerable through the tongue 147 and the yoke 146, for easytrailing by a snowmobile. The rear skis 136, 137 remain laterallystationary. The camper unit is removable from the sled structure simplyby disassembling the rear skis 136, 137 and the cross bar 154 from therespective brackets to which they are secured by removal of theappropriate bolts and nuts.

While there has been shown one embodiment of a sled structure on whichthe camper unit of the invention maybe mounted, various other sledstructures could be utilized. For example, in the embodiment illustratedin FIGS. 13 through 15, the wheels 146 and 119 could be removed from theshafts 47 and 120. A single elongated ski or runner having ahorizontally disposed lateral sleeve could be mounted to the right shaft46 with the sleeve engaging the shaft. A second ski could likewise bemounted to the left shaft 124. So mounted, the camper unit would thenobtain the benefit of the various leaf springs which would'not have tobe removed.

The camper unit 12 when used as a two wheel trailer or on a sled can beopened into a tent as shown in FIG. 10. Also, a parts or equipmentstorage box can be attached to the frame to provide an additional areafor the tent poles, fishing poles, floor supporting legs, and likestructures. This box can be attached to frame members 20 and 21 andextend along the bottom of floor panel 58, for example, as the box 157shown in phantom in FIG. 8.

It is contemplated that the camper unit of the invention may be used byice fishermen who fish in the winter through a hole sawed or chopped inthe ice of a lake. To this end the camper unit may optionally beprovided with a feature whereby in the erected configuration the camperunit may also be used as an ice fishing house as shown in phantom inFIGS. and 8. As shown by FIG. 5, a circular hole 158 is provided in thecenter middle panel 59. As shown by FIG. 8, an insertable ice fishingtube 160 is inserted through the hole 158. The tube 160 has an elongatedtubular cylindrical body portion extending from the floor to a hole inthe ice, and a flange portion 161 attached to the tubular portion.Flange portion 161 has an outside diameter larger than the hole 158 andrests on the floor, thus preventing the circulation of cold air frombeneath the floor to the interior of the erected camper unit. A suitablecap could be provided to cover the hole 158 when not in use.

I claim:

1. A camper unit convertible froni a first erect camp ing configurationto a second collapsed transporting configuration for transport with amotorcycle, including: a frame; hitch means removably mounted adjacentone side of the frame; said hitch means cooperable with portions of themotorcycle to releasably hitch the frame to a side of the motorcycle;floor means secured to the top of the frame; a fixed upright side wallconnected to said frame adjacent the floor means on the same side as thehitch means; said floor means including a plurality of floor panelsconnected by hinge means unfoldable away from the upright side wall toform a flat floor in the erected configuration and foldable into a boxover said frame in the collapsed configuration; said upright side wallforming one wall of said box in the collapsed configuration; sheltermeans mountable over the floor means in the erect configuration;removable floor support means to support the floor means in the erectconfiguration; and wheel means mounted on the frame opposite the hitchmeans.

2. A camper unit convertible from a first erect camping configuration toa second collapsed transporting configuration for transport with amotorcycle, including: a frame; hitch means removably mounted to theframe including an elongated bar removably mounted to the frame; aplurality of clamps slidably engaging said bar; a plurality of linkingmembers; each linking member attached at one end to one of said clamps,and removably attachable at the opposite end to the motorcycle; andmeans to secure said clamps in fixed selected position relative to saidbar; said hitch means cooperable with portions of the motorcycle toreleasably hitch the frame to a side of the motorcycle; floor meansecured to the top of the frame; said floor means including a pluralityof floor panels connected by hinge means to form a flat floor in theerected configuration and foldable into a box over said frame in thecollapsed configuration; shelter means mountable over the floor means inthe erect configuration; removable floor support means to support thefloor means in the erect configuration; and wheel means mounted on theframe opposite the hitch means.

3. The camper unit of claim 2 wherein said motorcycle has a plurality oftubular members and wherein: at least one collar engages a tubularmember of the motorcycle and at least one of the linking members isadjustable in length and includes an elongated rod portion and a matingbody portion, said rod portion engaging said collar at one end andhaving a threaded shank at the other end, said mating body portionengaging one of said clamps at one end and having a hollow tubularportion at the other end with a threaded opening, said shank of the rodportion being threaded into the openmeans includes a plurality of tentpoles and a tent pitched on said poles over the floor means in the erectconfiguration.

5. The camper unit of claim 4 wherein said tent poles are jointed, eachhaving a first portion and a second portion, said first portionextending beneath the floor means and supporting the floor meansrelative to the ground, and having an open upper end, said second 4. Thecamper unit of claim 2 wherein said shelter portion telescopicallyengaging the upper open end of the first portion.

6. A camper unit convertible from a first erect camping configuration toa second collapsed transporting configruation for transport with amototcycle, including: a frame having a plurality of interconnectedframe members including an inside longitudinal frame member, and a frontlateral frame member, an outside longitudinal frame member, and a rearlateral frame member; hitch means removably mounted to the frame,including a plurality of clamp means, means movably associating theclamp means with the frame, and link means connecting the clamp means toselected portions of the motorcycle; floor means secured to the top ofthe frame; said floor means including a plurality of floor panelsconnected by hinge means to form a flat floor in the erectedconfiguration and foldable into a box over said frame in the collapsedconfiguration; shelter means mountable over the floor means in the erectconfiguration; removable floor support means to support the floor meansin the erect configuration; a portion of floor support means including afirst floor support member having an inside end telescopicallyengageable with the front lateral frame member, a second floor supportmember having an inside end telescopically engageable with the rearlateral frame member, a first pair of legs supporting the outer ends ofthe first floor support member and the second floor support memberrelative to the ground, and a second pair of legs supporting the endportions of the inside longitudinal frame member; and wheel meansmounted on the frame opposite the hitch means.

7. The camper unit of claim 6 wherein: wheel means includes a tiremouned on a wheel, said wheel rotatably mounted to the outsidelongitudinal frame member, said tire having a top surface in horizontalalignment with the top surface defined by said frame whereby the tiresupports a portion of the floor means in the erected configuration.

8. The camper unit of claim 1 wherein said floor means includes: amiddle inboard panel secured to the frame; a front inboard panelhingedly connected to the front edge of the middle inboard panel; a rearinboard panel hingedly connected to the rear edge of the middle inboardpanel; a middle center panel hingedly connected to the outside edge ofthe middle inboard panel; a front center panel hingedly connected to theoutside edge of the front inboard panel; a rear center panel hingedlyconnected to the outside edge of the rear inboard panel; a middleoutboard panel hingedly connected to the outboard edge of the middlecenter panel; a front outboard panel hingedly connected to the frontedge of the middle outboard panel; and a rear outboard panel hingedlyconnected to the rear edge of the middle outboard panel.

9. The camper unit of claim 1 wherein said hinge means includes: atleast one pair of adjacent floor panels including a first floor paneland a second floor panel connected by a hinge, said hinge having a firsthinge plate and a second hinge plate, a hinge pin pivotally connectingthe first hinge plate and the second hinge plate, the adjacent edge ofat least one of said floor panels being provided with an elongatedgroove; one of said hinge plates being accommodated in said groove;fastening means retaining said hinge plate in said groove; and meansattaching the opposite hinge plate to the other floor panel.

10. The camper unit of claim 9 wherein: the adjacent edge of the secondfloor panel is provided with an elongated groove and said second hingeplate is accommodated in said groove of the second floor panel.

11. The camper unit of claim 10 wherein: the adjacent edges of the firstfloor panel and the second floor panel are beveled to provide anupwardly diverging V- shaped groove.

12. A camper unit for transport with a motorcycle including: campermeans convertible from a first erect camping configuration to a secondcollapsed transporting configuration; hitch means cooperable withportions of the motorcycle to connect the camper means to the side ofthe motorcycle; said hitch means including an elongated hitch barattached to the camper means, a plurality of clamp means slidablyengaging said bar, and link means connecting the clamp means to selectedportions of the motorcycle; and wheel means mounted on the camper meansopposite the hitch means to rotatably support a portion of the campermeans on the ground.

13. The camper unit of claim 12 including rotatable means for adjustingthe length of the linking means.

14. A camper unit for transport selectively with an automobile and amotorcycle including: camper means convertible from a first erectcamping configuration to a second collapsed transporting configuration;adjustable, removable motorcycle hitch means attached to one side of thecamper means; said hitch means cooperable with portions of a motorcycleto connect the camper means to the side of the motorcycle; wheel meansmounted on the camper means to rotatably support the camper means; andremovable tongue means adapted to be connected to an automobileattachable to the front of the camper means when the hitch means isremoved for towing with an automobile.

15. The camper unit of claim 14 wherein: said wheel means are removablymounted on bracket means, said bracket means adapted to receive a sledstructure when the wheel means are removed.

1. A camper unit convertible from a first erect camping configuration toa second collapsed transporting configuration for transport with amotorcycle, including: a frame; hitch means removably mounted adjacentone side of the frame; said hitch means cooperable with portions of themotorcycle to releasably hitch the frame to a side of the motorcycle;floor means secured to the top of the frame; a fixed upright side wallconnected to said frame adjacent the floor means on the same side as thehitch means; said floor means including a plurality of floor panelsconnected by hinge means unfoldable away from the upright side wall toform a flat floor in the erected configuration and foldable into a boxover said frame in the collapsed configuration; said upright side wallforming one wall of said box in the collapsed configuration; sheltermeans mountable over the floor means in the erect configuration;removable floor support means to support the floor means in the erectconfiguration; and wheel means mounted on the frame opposite the hitchmeans.
 2. A camper unit convertible from a first erect campingconfiguration to a second collapsed transporting configuration fortransport with a motorcycle, including: a frame; hitch means removablymounted to the frame including an elongated bar removably mounted to theframe; a plurality of clamps slidably engaging said bar; a plurality oflinking members; each linking member attached at one end to one of saidclamps, and removably attachable at the opposite end to the motorcycle;and means to secure said clamps in fixed selected position relative tosaid bar; said hitch means cooperable with portions of the motorcycle toreleasably hitch the frame to a side of the motorcycle; floor meansecured to the top of the frame; said floor means including a pluralityof floor panels connected by hinge means to form a flat floor in theerected configuration and foldable into a box over said frame in thecollapsed configuration; shelter means mountable over the floor means inthe erect configuration; removable floor support means to support thefloor means in the erect configuration; and wheel means mounted on theframe opposite the hitch means.
 3. The camper unit of claim 2 whereinsaid motorcycle has a plurality of tubular members and wherein: at leastone collar engages a tubular member of the motorcycle and at least oneof the linking members is adjustable in length and includes an elongatedrod portion and a mating body portion, said rod portion engaging saidcollar at one end and having a threaded shank at the other end, saidmating body portion engaging one of said clamps at one end and having ahollow tubular portion at the other end with a threaded opening, saidshank of the rod portion being threaded into the opening.
 4. The camperunit of claim 2 wherein said shelter means includes a plurality of tentpoles and a tent pitched on said poles over the floor means in the erectconfiguration.
 5. The camper unit of claim 4 wherein said tent poles arejointed, each having a first portion and a second portion, said firstportion extending beneath the floor means and supporting the floor meansrelative to the ground, and having an open upper end, said secondportion telescopically engaging the upper open end of the first portion.6. A camper unit convertible from a first erect camping configuration toa second collapsed transporting configruation for transport with amototcycle, including: a frame having a plurality of interconnectedframe members including an inside longitudinal frame member, and a frontlateral frame member, an outside longitudinal frame member, and a rearlateral frame member; hitch means removably mounted to the frame,including a plurality of clamp means, means movably associating theclamp means with the frame, and link means connecting the clamp means toselected portions of the motorcycle; floor means secured to the top ofthe frame; said floor means including a plurality of floor panelsconnected by hinge means to form a flat floor in the erectedconfiguration and foldable into a box over said frame in the collapsedconfiguration; shelter means mountable over the floor means in the erectconfiguration; removable floor support means to support the floor meansin the erect configuration; a portion of floor support means including afirst floor support member having an inside end telescopicallyengageable with the front lateral frame member, a second floor supportmember having an inside end telescopically engageable with the rearlateral frame member, a first pair of legs supporting the outer ends ofthe first floor support member and the second floor support memberrelative to the ground, and a second pair of legs supporting the endportions of the inside longitudinal frame member; and wheel meansmounted on the frame opposite the hitch means.
 7. The camper unit ofclaim 6 wherein: wheel means includes a tire mouned on a wheel, saidwheel rotatably mounted to the outside longitudinal frame member, saidtire having a top surface in horizontal alignment with the top surfacedefined by said frame whereby the tire supports a portion of the floormeans in the erected configuration.
 8. The camper unit of claim 1wherein said floor means includes: a middle inboard panel secured to theframe; a front inboard panel hingedly connected to the front edge of themiddle inboard panel; a rear inboard panel hingedly connected to therear edge of the middle inboard panel; a middle center panel hingedlyconnected to the outside edge of the middle inboard panel; a frontcenter panel hingedly connected to the outside edge of the front inboardpanel; a rear center panel hingedly connected to the outside edge of therear inboard panel; a middle outboard panel hingedly connected to theoutboard edge of the middle center panel; a front outboard panelhingedly connected to the front edge of the middle outboard panel; and arear outboard panel hingedly connected to the rear edge of the middleoutboard panel.
 9. The camper unit of claim 1 wherein said hinge meansincludes: at least one pair of adjacent floor panels including a firstfloor panel and a second floor panel connected by a hinge, said hingehaving a first hinge plate and a second hinge plate, a hinge pinpivotally connecting the first hinge plate and the second hinge plate,the adjacent edge of at least one of said floor panels being providedwith an elongated groove; one of said hinge plates being accommodated insaid groove; fastening means retaining said hinge plate in said groove;and means attaching the opposite hinge plate to the other floor panel.10. The camper unit of claim 9 wherein: the adjacent edge of the secondfloor panel is provided with an elongated groove and said second hingeplate is accommodated in said groove of the second floor panel.
 11. Thecamper unit of claim 10 wherein: the adjacent edges of the first floorpanel and the second floor panel are beveled to provide an upwardlydiverging V-shaped groove.
 12. A camper unit for transport with amotorcycle including: camper means convertible from a first erectcamping configuration to a second collapsed transporting configuration;hitch means cooperable wIth portions of the motorcycle to connect thecamper means to the side of the motorcycle; said hitch means includingan elongated hitch bar attached to the camper means, a plurality ofclamp means slidably engaging said bar, and link means connecting theclamp means to selected portions of the motorcycle; and wheel meansmounted on the camper means opposite the hitch means to rotatablysupport a portion of the camper means on the ground.
 13. The camper unitof claim 12 including rotatable means for adjusting the length of thelinking means.
 14. A camper unit for transport selectively with anautomobile and a motorcycle including: camper means convertible from afirst erect camping configuration to a second collapsed transportingconfiguration; adjustable, removable motorcycle hitch means attached toone side of the camper means; said hitch means cooperable with portionsof a motorcycle to connect the camper means to the side of themotorcycle; wheel means mounted on the camper means to rotatably supportthe camper means; and removable tongue means adapted to be connected toan automobile attachable to the front of the camper means when the hitchmeans is removed for towing with an automobile.
 15. The camper unit ofclaim 14 wherein: said wheel means are removably mounted on bracketmeans, said bracket means adapted to receive a sled structure when thewheel means are removed.